How to Take Care of a Hanging Diascia Plant

Diascia, or twinspur, has numerous varieties that grow well in Sunset's Climate Zone 7, such as diascia barberae, diascia cordata, diascia integerrima and diascia rigescens. These plants, which belong to the snapdragon family, come in dwarf as well as larger sizes. The vibrant colors of their flowers range from scarlet to salmon, and their trailing tendencies lead them to drape gracefully from their baskets.

1

Plant the diascia or new cutting in a peat-lite soil, as diascia needs good drainage, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.2. Ensure your soil has a high level of calcium and magnesium, and a low level of ammonium nitrogen. Add a liquid fertilizer, but don't overfertilize -- follow the product's directions carefully.

2

If the plant hasn't been kept outdoors and acclimated to the climate yet, put it outdoors only after the temperature reaches at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can handle 32 degrees only if it has grown acclimated to living outdoors. In the summer, hang your diascia plant in partial shade; otherwise, the plant may wither away in the scorching sun. In the spring and fall, a sunnier spot is fine -- the plant does well in bright light, as long as it's kept fairly cool.

3

Water the soil regularly, but don't overwater -- keeping the soil a bit dry is better than saturating it completely. However, the hanging basket will allow the soil to drain easily, letting gravity take its course. Of course, when the plant receives rain, you may not need to water.

4

If you're concerned about achieving uniform blossoms, apply a growth regulator before the plant flowers or after pinching off blossoms. The plant will flower continuously whether you apply growth regulator or not.

5

Consider bringing the plant indoors for the winter to allow it to flourish all year long. The flowers will continue to bloom indoors. If you've chosen a perennial diascia species and wish to keep it outside, the blooms will die off as the weather grows colder. Cut back the dying top growth so the plant will be ready to produce new growth the following spring.

About the Author

Melanie J. Martin specializes in environmental issues and sustainable living. Her work has appeared in venues such as the Environmental News Network, "Ocean" magazine and "GREEN Retailer." Martin holds a Master of Arts in English.